Curbar Edge
Dramatic gritstone edge offering sweeping Peak District views, popular for walks, photography, and climbing.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Curbar Edge
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dramatic gritstone edge offering sweeping Peak District views, popular for walks, photography, and climbing.
"Breathtaking Views & Tranquil Walks - Curbar Edge is absolutely stunning — a must-visit for anyone who loves nature."
🚗 Park Smartly
Curbar Gap car park fills fast. Try roadside parking before the main lot or consider Grindleford Station.
🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The terrain can be uneven. Good walking boots are recommended for comfort and safety.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Bench
Curbar Edge
A favorite spot for many, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Peak District landscape.
Highland Cows
Near Curbar Gap car park
Encounter friendly Highland cows grazing in the fields, a delightful surprise for visitors.
Millstone Remnants
Along the edge
Discover fascinating 19th-century millstones scattered across the landscape, adding a historical touch.
Gritstone Climbing Routes
Curbar Edge rock formations
A renowned spot for climbers tackling challenging gritstone routes with stunning backdrops.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Parking and Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Park Smartly
Curbar Gap car park fills fast. Try roadside parking before the main lot or consider Grindleford Station.
🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The terrain can be uneven. Good walking boots are recommended for comfort and safety.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera for stunning panoramic shots, especially at sunrise and sunset.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Adventure
Well-behaved dogs are welcome, but keep them on a lead around livestock and other visitors.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Park Smartly
Curbar Gap car park fills fast. Try roadside parking before the main lot or consider Grindleford Station.
🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The terrain can be uneven. Good walking boots are recommended for comfort and safety.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera for stunning panoramic shots, especially at sunrise and sunset.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Adventure
Well-behaved dogs are welcome, but keep them on a lead around livestock and other visitors.
🧺 Picnic Perfection
Plenty of scenic spots for a picnic lunch with incredible views.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Curbar Edge for its breathtaking panoramic views and tranquil atmosphere, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and photographers. The unique millstones and the chance to see Highland cows add to its charm. While parking can be limited and some paths are uneven, the overall experience is highly recommended for its natural beauty and peaceful environment.
"Nice place for a short walk. If you live nature hiking then you will enjoy this place. Beautiful and safe paths and good spot for picnic as well. Parking g is available but limited spaces. You can still park on the road side. Good thing is it's not crowded so really enjoyed the trip."
Jayshree Jadhav
"A wonderful place to visit in the Peak District!
Curbar Edge offers spectacular views over the valleys and villages. Even without bright sunshine, the sky and changing light create incredible landscapes. The rocks themselves are fascinating, covered with lichens and surrounded by blooming heather.
If you come here in August, you will walk through endless carpets of purple heather and breathe in its delicate, subtle fragrance — it really makes the walk unforgettable.
What impressed me most were the stone millstones scattered all along the edge. At first we thought they might be remains of old windmills, but later I learned that they were carved right here in the 19th century, and many were abandoned when they were no longer needed. Now they look almost like ancient monuments, blending into the hills and adding mystery to the landscape.
It’s a great place for hiking with friends, taking photos, enjoying the fresh air and leaving with warm memories. Definitely worth a visit if you’re exploring the Peak District!"
Victoria S
"Breathtaking Views & Tranquil Walks
Curbar Edge is absolutely stunning — a must-visit for anyone who loves nature, hiking, or photography. The panoramic views across the Derwent Valley are simply unforgettable, especially at sunrise or sunset when the light hits the rocks just right. The trail is well-marked and suitable for a range of abilities, with plenty of opportunities to stop, take in the landscape, or even have a picnic. It's peaceful, never too crowded, and rich with wildlife and wildflowers in season. Parking is convenient, and the nearby village has great cafes for a post-walk treat. Couldn’t recommend it more highly — a true gem in the Peak District!"
Brefin Poulose
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Curbar Edge is accessible by car, with the main Curbar Gap pay-and-display car park (S32 3YR) being the most convenient. Free roadside parking is available on the main road before the car park. For public transport, buses run to the nearby village of Calver, which has good links.
Yes, there is a pay-and-display car park at Curbar Gap, but spaces are limited and can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Roadside parking is also an option.
Yes, you can take a bus to the village of Calver, which is a short walk from Curbar Edge. This is a good option if you want to avoid driving and parking hassles.
From Grindleford Station, you can follow a route that involves a relatively easy climb up to Froggatt and Curbar Edge, offering beautiful moorland scenery.
While cycling is possible on some paths, the terrain can be challenging and uneven. It's more suited for walking and hiking.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Curbar Edge itself is free. However, there is a charge for parking at the Curbar Gap car park.
Curbar Edge is an open natural landscape and does not have set opening hours. The car park may have closing times, especially during summer evenings.
Parking at Curbar Gap is pay-and-display. Prices can vary, but reviews suggest it's around £4-£6 for all day.
Parking cannot typically be booked in advance. It's first-come, first-served, so arriving early is recommended.
Curbar Edge is part of the Peak District National Park, which is free to enter. There are no specific entrance fees for the edge itself.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy scenic walks, photography, picnicking, and rock climbing. The views across the Derwent Valley are a major draw.
Yes, it's considered family-friendly with safe paths for walking and beautiful scenery. However, some areas are uneven, so supervision is advised for young children.
You might encounter friendly Highland cows, various bird species, and in August, carpets of purple heather.
Absolutely! It's a popular spot for photographers, especially at sunrise and sunset, offering dramatic light and expansive views.
Yes, there are well-marked trails suitable for various fitness levels. You can do a short loop or extend your walk to include Froggatt and White Edge.
🎫 🧗 Climbing & Bouldering
Curbar Edge is a renowned gritstone climbing and bouldering destination, attracting climbers with its challenging routes and inspiring scenery.
Routes like 'Fidget' (graded E2 6b) and various highball problems are popular. The Moon Buttress area is also noted for its climbing.
Yes, Curbar Edge offers excellent bouldering opportunities on its gritstone formations.
Climbing grades vary, but it's known for challenging gritstone routes, including highballs and established trad climbs.
Standard climbing gear is required, including ropes, harnesses, protection, and climbing shoes suitable for gritstone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack a picnic to enjoy amidst the stunning scenery, and consider bringing a kite to fly on the open moorland. While the edge itself is beautiful, be mindful of uneven terrain and steep drops in certain areas, so keep a close eye on children. The nearby villages offer amenities like cafes for a post-walk treat.
🧗 Climbers and Bouldering Enthusiasts
+1The gritstone offers excellent friction, and the inspiring backdrop of the Peak District landscape makes for an unforgettable climbing experience. Popular areas include the Moon Buttress. Remember to bring appropriate gear, check conditions, and be aware of other users on the crag.
+1📸 Photographers
Look for the iconic bench for framed shots, capture the unique texture of the gritstone, and don't miss the opportunity to photograph the local wildlife, including the charming Highland cows. The blooming heather in August adds a vibrant splash of colour to your shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Gritstone Edges
+1Many of the climbing routes at Curbar Edge are considered classic test pieces, attracting climbers from across the UK and beyond. The landscape is also dotted with fascinating historical remnants, such as the 19th-century millstones, which add a layer of mystery and intrigue to the area. These stones, abandoned when no longer needed, now blend seamlessly into the natural environment, appearing almost like ancient monuments.
For walkers and nature lovers, the edges provide accessible yet dramatic scenery. The well-maintained paths allow for enjoyable strolls, while the open moorland offers a sense of wildness and freedom. The changing light throughout the day, especially at sunrise and sunset, creates spectacular photographic opportunities, making Curbar Edge a truly multi-faceted destination.
Navigating Curbar Edge: Walks and Accessibility
For those seeking a more extended hike, routes can be combined with nearby Froggatt Edge and White Edge, creating longer circuits that offer diverse scenery and terrain. Some of these routes involve steeper ascents and descents, and can be more rugged underfoot, requiring sturdy footwear. The Peak District weather can be unpredictable, so it's always advisable to check the forecast and be prepared for changing conditions.
While the main paths are generally accessible, the terrain can become uneven and rocky in places, particularly near the climbing areas. Visitors with mobility issues or those using wheelchairs may find certain sections challenging. However, the overall experience of walking at Curbar Edge is one of immersion in stunning natural beauty, with ample opportunities for photography and enjoying the fresh air.
The Best Photo Opportunities
Many visitors highlight the 'iconic bench' as a prime spot for capturing memorable shots, offering a perfect framing for the expansive views. The presence of Highland cows can also add a charming and unique element to photographs, providing a touch of local character. In August, the vibrant purple heather blankets the landscape, creating a stunning visual spectacle that is a must-capture for any photographer.
For climbers and adventure photographers, the action shots of individuals tackling the gritstone faces offer dynamic and exciting imagery. Whether you're a professional or an amateur, Curbar Edge provides endless inspiration for capturing the raw beauty of the Peak District. Remember to pack extra batteries and memory cards to make the most of the photographic potential.
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